how strong was the MRI machine that they used to look for lesions?

1.5 Tesla is, I think, the lowest Tesla strength for MRI machines. I think the last MRI I was in was a 1.5 Tesla and it didnt see anything lesion-ish, but I wasnt exactly in there looking for lesions (doctor specifically wanted to see if I had a disc problem) They didnt use contrast for mine. That MRI did show some arthritic changes on my 43yr old spine tho.

The other MRI's on my spine that I had were 3.0 Tesla (well, at least one of them was) and they were able to see "something" on it without contrast. I was supposed to have contrast, but they screwed up the IV so I had to go back a week later for another MRI where they didnt screw up the contrast. That had a "nice" glowy lesion light up on it. Well, actually two.

I think my first MRI on my brain was a 1.5 Tesla and I had contrast for it and all it showed was little non-specific white "dots".

I'm with your Doc Bort, IDK?? I do know that you can have MS and symptoms of MS without lesions showing up...IDKW..

It was a 1.5T machine. I have read that spinal lesions can be difficult to detect at that strength. I have no brain lesions, just the cervical spine and optic nerves that, as I said, took a very long time to show up.

I am seeing another neuro for a second opinion in February, so I suppose I might consider requesting a scan on a 3T machine. I don't think I would be able to get that bulk-billed though, so would probably be several hundred out of pocket. Worth it if I can get some answers though.